Dandara stands up to youth homelessness

Property developer Dandara has pledged financial support to a programme aimed at tackling youth homelessness in the Island.

It's after local charity Housing Matters revealed 48 people under the age of 20 had met with staff last year.

Half of them had left home due to deteriorating family relationships - and some had resorted to sleeping rough.

A new scheme will now see representatives visiting Manx schools, to educate pupils on the dangers of leaving with nowhere to go.

Dandara Managing Director Seamus Nugent praised the charity's 'innovative approach to a very real problem', explaining the firm had 'no hesitation' in offering an initial five year sponsorship package.

He added that it if it helps even one young person avoid the terrible circumstances their peers have endured, he would view it as a success.